Oregon Freshman Kiara Romero Impresses in Collegiate Debut, Tied for Second at Annika Intercollegiate
Oregon freshman golfer Kiara Romero has made quite the splash with her collegiate debut at the 2023 Annika Intercollegiate. After having a conversation with her coach, Derek Radley, Romero took his advice to heart and delivered a stunning performance on the golf course.
Radley encouraged Romero to simply be the athlete she is and not feel the need to do anything extraordinary. It seems his words had a significant impact on the young golfer, as she shot an impressive 5-under 67 in the opening round, tying for second place.
Romero’s round was highlighted by five birdies and no bogeys, displaying her exceptional skills and composure. She proved that she belongs among the top golfers in the country, making birdies on three of her final four holes to finish strong.
Reflecting on her performance, Romero expressed confidence in her abilities, stating, The U.S. Girls’ Junior showed me I can compete and win against these girls. Everything was pretty smooth out there today.
Joining Romero in second place are Lucia Lopez Ortega from San Jose State and Maylis Lamoure from South Carolina, both of whom also shot a 5-under 67. However, it is South Carolina’s Louise Rydqvist who currently holds the solo lead after carding an impressive 6-under 66, including birdies on her final three holes.
In the team competition, South Carolina leads the way with an impressive 15-under par score after the opening round. They are followed closely by Wake Forest and San Jose State, trailing by four shots.
The tournament has been deemed gettable by South Carolina coach Kalen Anderson, as her team’s long hitters have been able to take advantage of the course’s par 5s. South Carolina’s excellent performance was led by Lamoure’s 5-under 67 and Vairana Heck’s 3-under 69, with two-time first-team All-American Hannah Darling also contributing with a 1-under score.
Defending national champions Wake Forest also showed their prowess in the opening round, shooting 9-under as a team. Mimi Rhodes and Brooke Rivers were the standouts for the Demon Deacons, both shooting 4-under par.
As the tournament unfolds, all eyes will be on Kiara Romero as she continues to impress in her first collegiate appearance. Her exceptional performance in the opening round serves as a testament to her talent and potential in the world of collegiate golf.
